makeup

Everyday

1. Makeup is coloured creams and powders, like lipstick, mascara and foundation, put on the face to change how it looks. tree →
2. The makeup of something is what it is made of, or the different parts or people in it: «the makeup of the class». tree →
3. A person's makeup is their character. tree →
4. (US, school) A makeup test or class is one you take later because you missed the first one. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life makeup is used by many adults and by actors on stage; face paint at fairs is a kind of makeup. In science and maths, «the makeup» means the parts of something: «the makeup of the air is about 78% nitrogen». In US schools, a «makeup exam» is a test taken later. Phrases: «put on makeup», «stage makeup», «the makeup of».

Examples

• Mum puts on makeup before work. tree →
• The actors wore stage makeup. tree →
• The clown's makeup made him look happy. tree →
• The makeup of the team is five girls and six boys. tree →
• What is the makeup of the Earth's atmosphere? tree →
• Being kind is part of his makeup. tree →
• (US) I missed the test, so I have a makeup on Friday. tree →

Note

Spelled «makeup» (more US), «make-up» (more UK) or «make up» as a verb. The verb is two words: «make up» (to invent, to become friends again, or to put on makeup). Uncountable: «a lot of makeup», not «makeups».